Absorbent Article Having Telescoping Waist

ABSTRACT

A disposable absorbent article comprising a chassis which includes a front region having two opposing longitudinal edges; a back region having two opposing longitudinal edges; a crotch region having two longitudinal edges wherein said crotch region is disposed between said front and back regions; and at least two side panels extending outwardly from the two opposing longitudinal edges of one or both of the front or back regions and interconnecting said front and the back regions to form a waist opening and a pair of leg openings; wherein the article exhibits a pre-application side panel length, L i , and a post-application side panel length, L f , such that L i  is less than L f .

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles such aspull-on garments. More specifically, the present invention relates todisposable pull-on garments having a pre-application side panel lengthless than a post-application side panel length.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It has long been known that absorbent articles such as disposablediapers with fasteners, pull-on diapers, training pants, sanitarynapkins, pantiliners, incontinence briefs, and the like, offer thebenefit of receiving and containing urine and other bodily exudates. Toeffectively contain exudates, the articles should provide a snug fitaround the waist and legs of a wearer. Articles such as conventionaldiapers generally include a front and rear waist section releasablyconnected by a fastening means. Application of a conventional diaper isusually performed by a caregiver with the wearer in a supine position.Such diapers allow for easy application by the caregiver but inhibitself-application by the wearer.

Disposable pull-on garments were developed, in part, to address theproblem of self-application. Pull-ons effectively contain exudates whileallowing for self-application. Such garments generally include a chassiscomprising a liquid pervious bodyside liner, a liquid impervious outercover, an absorbent core therebetween, and a pair of ears or side panelsthat are prejoined connecting the front and rear portions of thechassis. Pull-on garments have become popular for use on children whoare able to walk and may be engaged in toilet training. Pull-on garmentsmay serve as an intermediary product for the child between the wear of aconventional diaper and underwear. The pull-on provides a milestone forthe child who may be involved in toilet training and developingindependence from the caregiver. However, to be an effective advanceover a conventional diaper, the pull-on should not only allow forself-application but should also provide a mechanism for easierself-application and encouragement to the child to apply the pull-onwithout the aid of the caregiver.

Unfortunately, current pull-on garments may be difficult forself-application by an infant. During self-application, a friction forceexists opposing the motion or attempted motion of the pull-on. Thefriction force is increased as the pull-on is moved against the legs andtorso of the wearer because of increased contacting surface area betweenthe pull-on and the infant's skin. Pull-ons often have elasticized earsor side panels which further impede self-application by the infant. Theelasticized side panels are often stretched as the pull-on rises up theinfant's legs and torso. The stretching of the side panels results in anincreased normal force against the infant's skin. An increase in thenormal force results in an increase in the friction force.Consequentially, the increased friction force must be overcome by thechild during self-application. In order to apply the pull-on in an idealsnug configuration, the infant may have difficulty in counteracting theincreasing friction force.

Furthermore, the child's acceptance of the pull-on garment is importantto successful toilet training. If the child views that the pull-on asmore like underwear and less like a diaper, the pull-on successfullyserves as an intermediary between diapers and underwear. However,existing pull-on garments may be perceived as more diaper-like thanunderwear-like if the garment must be applied by a caregiver instead ofby the child alone or if excessive caregiver assistance is needed forsuccessful application of the garment. Child acceptance of the pull-oncan be improved by providing a pull-on garment that is easilyself-applicable and, thus, more underwear-like.

Current pull-on garments often fail to provide the child with incentivesfor self-application. From a child's perspective, toilet training may bea long and difficult process. Keeping the child motivated throughouttoilet training is important since the child may otherwise regress. Oneway of keeping the child motivated and engaged is by providing graphicson the external surfaces of the pull-on garment. Current graphics,however, are generally static throughout application. Essentially, thepull-on looks the same before application and immediately afterapplication. A static graphic does little to motive or excite a child,and, as a result, the child may become bored with toilet training. Apull-on garment that changes in visual appearance during application canexcite and motivate a child. As a result, the child is more likely to beengaged in toilet training

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In response to the deficiencies of prior pull-on garments, the presentinvention is directed to a disposable absorbent article that allows foreasier self-application and in particular self-application by a child.Due to the easier self-application, the absorbent article is believed tobe more readily accepted by the child as more underwear-like thandiaper-like. Additionally, the present invention may provide visualincentives to motivate and engage the child.

The present invention is directed to a disposable absorbent articlecomprising a chassis which comprises a front region having two opposinglongitudinal edges; a back region having two opposing longitudinaledges; a crotch region having two opposing longitudinal edges whereinsaid crotch region is disposed between said front and back regions; andat least two side panels extending outwardly from the two opposinglongitudinal edges of one or both of the front or back regions andinterconnecting said front and the back regions to form a waist openingand a pair of leg openings. The article further exhibits apre-application side panel length, L_(i), and a post-application sidepanel length, L_(f), such that L_(i) is less than L_(f).

The present invention is directed to a disposable absorbentarticle—having a front region, a back region and a crotch region betweenthe front region and back region—comprising a chassis comprising aliquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet associated withthe topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet andthe backsheet; and at least one pair of side panels extending outwardlyfrom the chassis and interconnecting the front region and the backregion; wherein the article has a pre-application side panel length,L_(i), and a post-application side panel length, L_(f), such that L_(i)is less than L_(f).

The present invention is further directed to a kit comprising aplurality of disposable absorbent articles each comprising a chassiswhich comprises a front region having two opposing longitudinal edges; aback region having two opposing longitudinal edges; a crotch regionhaving two opposing longitudinal edges wherein said crotch region isdisposed between said front and back regions; and at least two sidepanels extending outwardly from the two opposing longitudinal edges ofone or both of the front or back regions and interconnecting said frontand the back regions to form a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.The articles further exhibit a pre-application side panel length, L_(i),and a post-application side panel length, L_(f), such that L_(i) is lessthan L_(f).

The present invention is further directed to a method for applying areversibly foreshortened disposable absorbent article comprising thesteps of providing an absorbent article exhibiting a pre-applicationside panel length, L_(i); donning the absorbent article; and extendingthe absorbent article to a post-application side panel length, L_(f),wherein L_(i) is less than L_(f).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a disposable pull-ongarment of the present invention in a pre-application state.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of disposable pull-on garment of FIG. 1 ina post-application state.

FIG. 3 a is a detailed plan view of one embodiment of the foreshortenedside wall.

FIG. 3 b is a cross-sectional view of the foreshortened side wall ofFIG. 3 a taken along sectional line 3-3.

FIG. 4 a is a detailed plan view of one embodiment of the foreshortenedside wall.

FIG. 4 b is a cross-sectional view of the foreshortened side wall ofFIG. 4 a taken along sectional line 4-4.

FIG. 5 a is a detailed plan view of one embodiment of the foreshortenedside wall.

FIG. 5 b is a cross-sectional view of the foreshortened side wall ofFIG. 5 a taken along sectional line 5-5.

FIG. 6 a is a detailed plan view of one embodiment of the foreshortenedside wall.

FIG. 6 b is a cross-sectional view of the foreshortened side wall ofFIG. 6 a taken along sectional line 6-6.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a disposable pull-on garment.

FIG. 8 a is one embodiment of a disposable pull-on garment of thepresent invention in a pre-application state and having visiblegraphics.

FIG. 8 b is one embodiment of a disposable pull-on garment of thepresent invention in a post-application state and having visible andhidden graphics.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the term “absorbent article” or “article” refers towearable devices, which absorb and/or contain liquid, and morespecifically, refers to devices, which are placed against or inproximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the variousexudates discharged from the body. Suitable examples include diapers,prefastened diapers, recloseable diapers, training pants, pull-ongarments, adult incontinence products and feminine care products such assanitary napkins.

As used herein, “pull-on garment” refers to articles of wear which havea defined waist opening and a pair of leg openings and which are pulledonto the body of the wearer by inserting the legs into the leg openingsand pulling the article up over the waist.

As used herein, “disposable” describes garments which are not intendedto be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as a garment (i.e., theyare intended to be discarded after a single use and, preferably, to berecycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentallycompatible manner).

and contain the various exudates discharged from the body.

As used herein, “pull-on diaper” refers to pull-on garments generallyworn by infants and other incontinent individuals to absorb and containurine and feces. It should be understood, however, that the presentinvention is also applicable to other absorbent articles.

As used herein, “panel” denotes an area or element of the pull-ongarment. (While a panel is typically a distinct area or element, a panelmay coincide (functionally correspond) or overlap an adjacent panel.)

As used herein, “joined” or “joining” encompasses configurations wherebyan element is directly secured to another by affixing the elementdirectly to the other element, and configurations whereby the element isindirectly secured to the other element by affixing the element tointermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element.

As used herein, the term “longitudinal” generally refers to a line,axis, or direction in the plane of the article that is generally alignedwith (e.g., approximately parallel including directions within ±45° ofthe longitudinal direction) a vertical plane which equally bisects astanding wearer into left and right halves when the article is worn.

As used herein, the terms “lateral” or “transverse” refer to a line,axis or direction which lies within the plane of the pull-on garmentthat is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

As used herein, the term “foreshorten” means to reduce at least onelinear dimension, most often length.

As used herein, the term “extensible” refers to materials that arecapable of extending in at least one direction to a certain degreewithout undue rupture.

As used herein, the term “elasticity” and “elastically extensible” referto extensible materials that have the ability to return to approximatelytheir original dimensions after the force that extended the material isremoved. Herein, any material or element described as “extensible” mayalso be elastically extensible unless otherwise provided.

As used herein, the term “post-application” refers to the state of anarticle as it would appear after being successfully and fully applied toa wearer such that the side panels are fully extended from thepre-application state.

As used herein, the term “side panel length” refers to the distance ofthe narrowest point of the pull-on garment between the top of the legopening and the waist edge.

As used herein, the term “pre-application” refers to the state of thepull-on garment having a foreshortened side panel exhibiting apre-application side panel length, L_(i).

As used herein, a “pre-foreshortened side panel” refers to a side panelthat does not require foreshortening by a wearer, a caregiver, or anyother intermediary prior to application.

As used herein, the term “furl” means to fold, roll, coil, curl, pleat,ruffle, frill, crease, crimp, bend, gather, loop, shirr, or any otherprocess by which the side panel length is reversibly foreshortened andcombinations thereof.

As used herein, “wearer-facing surface” means a surface of the absorbentarticle or component of the absorbent article that is intended to beworn toward or adjacent to the body of the wearer.

As used herein, “garment facing surface” is on the opposite thewearer-facing surface and is intended to be worn toward or placedadjacent to the wearer's clothing or undergarments when the disposableabsorbent article is worn.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show embodiments of an absorbent article as a pull-ongarment according to the present invention. FIG. 1 shows one embodimentof a disposable pull-on garment 10 of the present invention in apre-application configuration. The disposable pull-on garment 10 of thepresent invention comprises a chassis 12 that has a front region 14; aback region 16 and a crotch region 18 between the front region 14 andthe back region 16. The front region 14 may have two opposinglongitudinal edges 15. The back region 16 may have two opposinglongitudinal edges 17. The crotch region 18 may have two opposinglongitudinal edges 19. The garment 10 may include a gasketing leg cuff52. The gasketing leg cuff may comprise one or more elastic strands 54.The garment may also include a barrier leg cuff 56. The barrier leg cuff56 may comprise a spacing means 58 which may be one or more elasticstrands.

The disposable pull-on garment 10 may include two front side panels 20each extending laterally outward from the chassis along the front regionlongitudinal edge 15 and two back side panels 22 each extendinglaterally outward from the chassis along the back region longitudinaledge 17. The front and back side panels 20, 22 may be joined at a seam34 to form two leg openings 24 and a waist opening 28. The front andback side panels may be joined by more than one discrete spaced bondingsites 35. The two leg openings 24 are defined by a leg opening edge 26.The waist opening 28 is defined by a waist edge 30. A continuous belt 38is a circumferential region that may be defined by the side panels 20,22 and the front and rear region of the chassis 12.

The side panels 20, 22 are shown as having been foreshortened. The sidepanels 20, 22 may be foreshortened during the manufacturing process ofthe garment. The side panels 20, 22 may be foreshortened by furling thecontinuous belt 38. The entire circumference of the continuous belt 38or a portion thereof may be furled. The continuous belt 38 of thepull-on garment may be furled such that the waist edge 30 is not theuppermost circumferential edge of the garment 10. The uppermostcircumferential edge of the pull-on garment may be an upper edge 32. Itshould be noted that in some embodiments of the present invention, thewaist edge 30 may be the upper edge 32. It is desirable that the furledcontinuous belt 38 not obscure or obstruct the leg openings 24 such thatapplication of the garment 10 is substantially hindered. The furledcontinuous belt 38 should not block more than about 75% of the legopening 24. In one embodiment, the furled continuous belt 38 shouldblock no more than about 50% of the leg opening 24. In one embodiment,the furled continuous belt 38 should block no more than 25% of the legopening 24. In another embodiment, the furled continuous belt 38 willnot obscure, obstruct, or block the leg opening 24.

In its pre-application state, the pull-on garment 10 exhibits apre-application side panel length, L_(i). The pre-application side panellength, L_(i), is the longitudinal distance from the uppermost pointalong the leg opening 24 to the closest point on the upper edge 32, asmeasured along the garment-facing surface of the pull-on garment 10. Thepre-application side panel length, L_(i), is measured while the pull-ongarment 10 is in a substantially relaxed state and prior to application.If, in the pre-application state, the furled continuous belt 38 obscuresthe leg opening 24, the pre-application side panel length, L_(i), isstill measured from the uppermost point along the leg opening 24 to theclosest point on the upper edge 32. However, the uppermost point alongthe leg opening may be along or on the part of the furled continuousbelt 38 that obscures the leg opening.

In one embodiment, the garment 10 is pre-foreshortened such that theside panels 20, 22 do not require foreshortening by a user (i.e., thegarment 10 is already foreshortened).

FIG. 2 shows the pull-on garment 10 of FIG. 1 in its post-applicationstate on the body of a wearer 36. In the post-application state, thepull-on garment 10 may be positioned for wear with the side panels 20,22 fully extended and lengthened from the pre-application state. Thecontinuous belt 38 may be unfurled so that the waist edge may become theupper edge of the pull-on garment. The pull-on garment 10 in thepost-application state exhibits a post-application side panel length,L_(f). The post-application side panel length, L_(f), is thelongitudinal distance from the uppermost point along the leg openingedge 26 to the closest point on the waist edge 30, as measured along thegarment-facing surface of the pull-on garment 10. In one embodiment, thepull-on garment 10 may have a post-application side panel length L_(f)that is greater than the post-application side panel length Li. In oneembodiment, L_(f) may be at least about 5% greater than L_(i). Inanother embodiment, L_(f) may be at least about 10% greater than L_(i).In one embodiment, L_(f) may be at least about 25% greater than L_(i).In one embodiment, L_(f) may be at least about 50% greater than L_(i).In one embodiment, L_(f) may be at least about 100% greater than L_(i).In another embodiment, L_(f) may be at least about 200% greater thanL_(i).

FIG. 3 a is an enlarged detailed plan view of the front and back sidepanels 20, 22 as shown in FIG. 1. The front side panel 20 and back sidepanel 22 are joined at the seam 34 to form the leg opening 24. The frontand back side panels 20, 22 may be joined by more than one discretespaced bonding sites 35. The leg opening 24 is defined by the legopening edge 26. In this embodiment, the side panels are foreshortenedby furling the continuous belt 38 of the pull-on garment with a singlefold. The single fold results in the waist edge 30 being displaced asthe uppermost circumferential edge of the garment 10. A pre-applicationside panel length L_(i) may be measured along the surface of the pull-ongarment 10 from uppermost point along the leg opening 24 to the closestpoint on the upper edge 32.

FIG. 3 b is a cross-sectional view taken along sectional line 3-3 ofFIG. 3 a. This cross-sectional view of the front side panel 20illustrates furling by way of a single fold. The relative positions ofthe leg opening edge 26, waist edge 30, and the upper edge 32 for thisparticular embodiment are illustrated. FIG. 3 b shows one embodiment forthe construction of the side panel 20, 22 as a three layer laminateincluding an inner nonwoven layer 62, an outer nonwoven layer 64, and anelastic member 60 disposed between the inner nonwoven layer 62 and theouter nonwoven layer 64. As is described below, other embodiments forside panel 20, 22 construction are feasible and well-known. The threelayer laminate as shown is exemplary.

While this embodiment describes furling the continuous belt with asingle fold, it is clearly envisioned that the continuous belt 38 may befolded more than once. Multiple folds may be used to minimize thepost-application side panel length, L_(f), while avoiding obstruction ofthe leg opening 24. Furthermore, the length and orientation of one ormore folds may be altered to achieve a desired pre-application sidepanel length, L_(i).

FIG. 4 a is an enlarged detailed plan view of the front and back sidepanels 20, 22 showing another embodiment of the foreshortened sidepanel. The front side panel 20 and back side panel 22 are joined at theseam 34 to form the leg opening 24. The front and back side panels 20,22 may be joined by more than one discrete spaced bonding sites 35. Theleg opening 24 is defined by the leg opening edge 26. In thisembodiment, the side panels are foreshortened by furling the continuousbelt 38 of the pull-on garment with multiple folds or rolls. Themultiple folds or rolls results in the waist edge 30 being displaced asthe uppermost circumferential edge of the garment 10. A pre-applicationside panel length L_(i) may be measured along the surface of the pull-ongarment 10 from uppermost point along the leg opening 24 to the closestpoint on the upper edge 32.

FIG. 4 b is a cross-sectional view taken along sectional line 4-4 ofFIG. 4 a. This cross-sectional view of the front side panel 20illustrates furling by way of multiple folds or rolls. The relativepositions of the leg opening edge 26, waist edge 30, and the upper edge32 for this embodiment are illustrated. FIG. 4 b shows one embodimentfor the construction of the side panel as a three layer laminateincluding an inner nonwoven layer 62, an outer nonwoven layer 64, and anelastic member 60 disposed between the inner nonwoven layer 62 and theouter nonwoven layer 64. As is described below, other embodiments forside panel 20, 22 construction are feasible and well-known. The threelayer laminate as shown is exemplary.

While this embodiment describes furling the continuous belt with threefolds or approximately a 540° roll, it is clearly envisioned that thecontinuous belt 38 may be pre-application side panel length, L_(i).

FIG. 5 a is an enlarged detailed plan view of the front and back sidepanels 20, 22 showing another embodiment of the foreshortened sidepanel. The front side panel 20 and back side panel 22 are joined at theseam 34 to form the leg opening 24. The front and back side panels 20,22 may be joined by more than one discrete spaced bonding sites 35. Theleg opening 24 is defined by the leg opening edge 26. In thisembodiment, the side panels are foreshortened by furling the continuousbelt 38 of the pull-on garment with longitudinal pleating. Specifically,the pleating is done with multiple reciprocating folds that aresubstantially parallel to the non-pleated surface of the pull-on (i.e.,longitudinal pleats). In this embodiment, the longitudinal pleating mayresult in the waist edge 30 remaining as the uppermost circumferentialedge of the garment 10. However, based on the length or orientation ofthe individual pleats, the waist edge 30 may be displaced (e.g., by anupper edge 32) as the uppermost edge of the garment 10. Apre-application side panel length Li may be measured along the surfaceof the pull-on garment 10 from uppermost point along the leg opening 24to the closest point on the waist edge 30. In an alternate embodimentwhere the waist edge has been displaced as the uppermost edge of thegarment 10, the pre-application side panel length Li may be measuredfrom the uppermost point along the leg opening 24 to the closest pointon the upper edge.

FIG. 5 b is a cross-sectional view taken along sectional line 5-5 ofFIG. 5 a. This cross-sectional view of the front side panel 20illustrates furling by way of two longitudinal pleats. The relativepositions of the leg opening edge 26 and waist edge 30 for thisembodiment are illustrated. FIG. 5 b shows one embodiment for theconstruction of the side panel as a three layer laminate including aninner nonwoven layer 62, an outer nonwoven layer 64, and an elasticmember 60 disposed between the inner nonwoven layer 62 and the outernonwoven layer 64. As is described below, other embodiments for sidepanel 20, 22 construction are feasible and well-known. The three layerlaminate as shown is exemplary.

While this embodiment describes furling the continuous belt with twopleats, it is clearly envisioned that the continuous belt 38 may bepleated with pleats of varying number, configuration, and/or length toachieve a desired pre-application side panel length, Li.

FIG. 6 a is an enlarged detailed plan view of the front and back sidepanels 20, 22 showing another embodiment of the foreshortened sidepanel. The front side panel 20 and back side panel 22 are joined at theseam 34 to form the leg opening 24. The front and back side panels 20,22 may be joined by more than one discrete spaced bonding sites 35. Theleg opening 24 is defined by the leg opening edge 26. In thisembodiment, the side panels are foreshortened by furling the continuousbelt 38 of the pull-on garment with transverse pleating. Specifically,the pleating is done with multiple reciprocating folds that aresubstantially perpendicular to the non-pleated surface of the pull-on(i.e., lateral pleats). In this embodiment, the lateral pleating mayresult in the waist edge 30 remaining as the uppermost circumferentialedge of the garment 10. However, based on the length or orientation ofthe individual pleats, the waist edge 30 may be displaced as theuppermost edge of the garment 10. A pre-application side panel length Limay be measured along the surface of the pull-on garment 10 fromuppermost point along the leg opening 24 to the closest point on thewaist edge 30. In an alternate embodiment where the waist edge 30 hasbeen displaced as the uppermost edge of the garment 10, thepre-application side panel length L_(i) may be measured from theuppermost point along the leg opening to the closest point on the upperedge.

FIG. 6 b is a cross-sectional view taken along sectional line 6-6 ofFIG. 6 a. This cross-sectional view of the front side panel 20illustrates furling by way of five lateral pleats. The relativepositions of the leg opening edge 26 and waist edge 30 for thisembodiment are illustrated. FIG. 6 b shows one embodiment for theconstruction of the side panel 20 as a three layer laminate including aninner nonwoven layer 62, an outer nonwoven layer 64, and an elasticmember 60 disposed between the inner nonwoven layer 62 and the outernonwoven layer 64. As is described below, other embodiments for sidepanel 20, 22 construction are feasible and well-known. The three layerlaminate as shown is exemplary.

While this embodiment describes furling the continuous belt with fivepleats, it is clearly envisioned that the continuous belt 38 may bepleated with pleats of varying number, configuration, and/or length toachieve a desired pre-application side panel length, Li.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary pull-on garment in a partially cut-away planview of the wearer-facing surface. The disposable pull-on garment 10 maycomprise a chassis 12 that may have a front region 14; a back region 16and a crotch region 18 between the front region 14 and the back region16. The front region 14 may have two opposing longitudinal edges 15. Theback region 16 may have two opposing longitudinal edges 17. The crotchregion 18 may have two opposing longitudinal edges 19. The garment mayhave a waist edge 30 and a leg opening edge 26. A continuous belt 38 maybe formed by side panels 20, 22 and the front and back region of thechassis 12 when the front side panels 20 are joined to the back sidepanels 22.

The chassis 12 may include a liquid pervious topsheet 40, a backsheet 42joined with the topsheet 40, and an absorbent core 44 disposed betweenthe topsheet 40 and the backsheet 42. The pull-on garment 10 may includeat least two side panels 20, 22. The side panels 20, 22 may extendlaterally outward from the front region longitudinal edges 15 and theback region longitudinal edges 17, respectively. The side panels 20, 22may be joined to one another.

In one embodiment, the back side panels 22 may extend from the backregion longitudinal edge 17 and may be joined to the corresponding frontregion longitudinal edge 15. Alternatively, the front side panels 20 mayextend from the front region longitudinal edge 15 and may be joined tothe corresponding back region longitudinal edge 17.

The side panels 20, 22 may be bonded directly or indirectly to eachother and/or to the other elements of the chassis (e.g., topsheet,backsheet, and the like) in a variety of configurations including butnot limited to an overlapped structure or an abutting structure. Thebonding can be performed by any suitable means known in the artappropriate for the specific materials employed. Thus, sonic sealing,heat sealing, pressure bonding, adhesive or cohesive bonding, sewing,autogeneous bonding, and the like may be appropriate techniques. Thebonding may by a predetermined pattern of heat/pressure or ultrasonicwelds which withstands the forces and stresses generated on the garmentduring wear. Bonding may be performed by a plurality of discrete spacedapart seaming bonds 35 (as shown in FIG. 1). In an alternativeembodiment, the bonding may be performed by a continuous bond whichcontinuously bonds the side panels 20, 22. In another embodiment, thebonding may be by way of refastenable bonds such as adhesive bonds,cohesive bonds, and/or fasteners (e.g., hook and loop fastener).

The side panels 20, 22 may be elastically extensible in at least thelateral direction. In alternative embodiments, the side panels 20, 22are elastically extensible both in the lateral and longitudinaldirections. Extensible side panels 20, 22 may provide a more comfortableand contouring fit by initially conformably fitting the pull-on garmentto the wearer and sustaining this fit throughout the time of wear wellpast when the pull-on garment has been loaded with exudates since theside panels 20,22 allow the sides of the pull-on garment to expand andcontract.

The side panels 20, 22 may be formed by unitary elements of the pull-ongarment 10 (i.e., they are not separately manipulative elements securedto the pull-on garment 10, but rather may be formed from and may beextensions of one or more of the various layers of the pull-on garment).The side panels 20, 22 may include at least one unitary element or acontinuous sheet material, such as a nonwoven outer cover, that forms apart of the chassis 12 and continuously extends into the side panels 20,22. Alternatively, the side panels 20, 22 may be discrete members whichdo not have any unitary element that forms a part of the chassis 12, andmay be formed by joining the discrete members to the longitudinal edgeof the chassis 12 in the front or back region.

The garment 10 may include side panels 20, 22 constructed from anelastic member 60 (as illustrated in FIGS. 3 b, 4 b, 5 b, and 6 b). Theelastic member 60 may be extensible in at least one direction, typicallyin the lateral direction to generate a retention (or sustained) forcethat is optimal to prevent the pull-on garment 10 from drooping,sagging, or sliding down from its position on the torso without causingthe red marking on the skin of the wearer. The elastic member 60 may beformed from a wide variety of materials and in a wide variety of sizes,forms and shapes. For example, the elastic member 60 may be in the formof a continuous planar layer. The continuous planar layer may includescrims, perforated (or apertures formed) films, elastomeric wovens ornonwovens, and the like. The continuous planar layer may take any shapewhich can be suitably provided in the side panels. Generally, theelastic member 60 is the same shape and size as the side panel 20, 22.

In another embodiment, the elastic member 60 may be in the form ofdiscrete strands (or strings) which are not connected each other.

In one embodiment, the elastic member 60 may be formed from a porous,macroscopically-expanded, three-dimensional elastomeric web as describedin U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2003/0120240 A1 to Buellet al. A suitable porous elastomeric material 124 is manufactured by theTredegar Film Products under the designation X-25007.

In one embodiment, the elastic member 60 may be formed from a scrim asdescribed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2003/0120240 A1to Buell et al. A suitable elastomeric scrim 124 is manufactured by theConwed Plastics Company (Minneapolis, Minn., U.S.A.) under thedesignation XO2514.

The elastic member 60 may be formed from other suitable elastomericmaterials include synthetic or natural rubber, other synthetic ornatural rubber foams, elastomeric films (including heat shrinkableelastomeric films), elastomeric woven or nonwoven webs, elastomericcomposites, or the like.

In another embodiment, the side panel may include an elastic member 60joined to at least one nonwoven web. For example, the elastic member 60may be disposed between an inner nonwoven layer 62 and the outernonwoven layer 64 (as illustrated in FIGS. 3 b, 4 b, 5 b, and 6 b). Theelastic member 60 and nonwoven layer 62, 64 should maintain elasticextensibility in at least one direction. In some embodiments, the outernonwoven layer 64 is a nonwoven outer cover 48 which, as describedbelow, forms part of the backsheet 42.

Several well-known methods exist for making stretchableelastomeric/nonwoven laminate for use as the side panels 20, 22. Forexample, stretch-bonding involves stretching of the elastic member in adesired direction, laminating the stretched elastic member to one ormore nonwovens, and releasing the tensioning force form the elasticmember so that the nonwovens gather and exhibit corrugations. Foranother example, neck-bonding involves stretching the nonwovensubstrate(s) in a first direction such that the nonwoven substrate(s)necks (i.e., reduces linear dimension) in a direction perpendicular tothe first direction. The elastic member is bonded to the stretched,necked nonwoven(s). The resulting laminate will exhibit stretch up tothe original width of the nonwoven prior to necking. Combinations ofstretch-bonding and neck-bonding are known to deliver multi-directionalstretch.

Another well-known method for making the stretchableelastomeric/nonwoven laminate for use as the side panels 20, 22 is azero-strain process. The zero-strain process involved bonding theelastic member and nonwoven together in an unstrained state. Theelastomeric/nonwoven laminate is incrementally stretched to impartstretch properties. The zero-strain process is further described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,167,897 issued to Weber et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,793,issued to Buell et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,679 issued to Weber etal.

The absorbent core 44 may be any absorbent member which may be generallycompressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, andcapable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine and othercertain body exudates. The absorbent core 44 may be manufactured in awide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass,“T”-shaped, asymmetric, etc.) and from a wide variety ofliquid-absorbent materials commonly used in disposable pull-on garmentsand other absorbent articles such as comminuted wood pulp which isgenerally referred to as airfelt. Examples of other suitable absorbentmaterials include creped cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers includingcoform; chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked cellulosicfibers; tissue including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbentfoams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gellingmaterials; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials.

The configuration and construction of the absorbent core 44 may vary(e.g., the absorbent core 44 may have varying caliper zones, ahydrophilic gradient, a superabsorbent gradient, or lower averagedensity and lower average basis weight acquisition zones; or may includeone or more layers or structures). Further, the size and absorbentcapacity of the absorbent core 44 may also be varied to accommodatewearers ranging from infants through adults. However, the totalabsorbent capacity of the absorbent core 44 should be compatible withthe design loading and the intended use of the garment 10.

One embodiment of the garment 10 may have an asymmetric, modifiedhourglass-shaped absorbent core 44 having ears in the front and backwaist regions 14, 16. Other exemplary absorbent structures for use asthe absorbent core 44 that have achieved wide acceptance and commercialsuccess are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,678 entitled “High-DensityAbsorbent Structures” issued to Weisman et al. on Sep. 9, 1986; U.S.Pat. No. 4,673,402 entitled “Absorbent Articles With Dual-Layered Cores”issued to Weisman et al. on Jun. 16, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,231entitled “Absorbent Core Having A Dusting Layer” issued to Angstadt onDec. 19, 1989; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,735, entitled “High DensityAbsorbent Members Having Lower Density and Lower Basis WeightAcquisition Zones”, issued to Alemany et al. on May 30, 1989. Otherexemplary core configurations include dual core systems are disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,234,423 issued to Alemany et al. on Aug. 10, 1993; U.S.Pat. No. 5,147,345 issued to Young et al. on Sep. 15, 1992; and U.S.Pat. No. 6,388,166 issued to Herrlein on May 14, 2002.

The topsheet 40 is preferably compliant, soft feeling, andnon-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, the topsheet 40 ispreferably liquid pervious permitting liquids (e.g., urine) to penetratereadily through its thickness. A suitable topsheet 40 may bemanufactured from a wide range of materials such as woven and nonwovenmaterials; polymeric materials such as apertured formed thermoplasticfilms, apertured plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films;porous foams; reticulated foams; reticulated thermoplastic films; andthermoplastic scrims. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials can beincluded of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), syntheticfibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, orpolyethylene fibers) or from a combination of natural and syntheticfibers. The topsheet 40 may be made of a hydrophobic material to isolatethe wearer's skin from liquids which have passed through the topsheet 40and are contained in the absorbent core 44 (i.e., to prevent rewet). Ifthe topsheet 40 is made of a hydrophobic material, at least a portion ofthe upper surface of the topsheet 40 may be treated to be hydrophilic sothat liquids will transfer through the topsheet more rapidly. Thisdiminishes the likelihood that body exudates will flow off the topsheet40 rather than being drawn through the topsheet 40 and being absorbed bythe absorbent core 44. The topsheet 40 can be rendered hydrophilic bytreating it with a surfactant. Suitable methods for treating thetopsheet 40 with a surfactant include spraying the topsheet 40 materialwith the surfactant and immersing the material into the surfactant. Amore detailed discussion of such a treatment and hydrophilicity iscontained in U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,344 issued to Reising, et al. on Jan.29, 1991 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,345 issued to Reising on Jan. 29, 1991.

In one embodiment, the topsheet 40 may be a nonwoven web that canprovide reduced tendency for surface wetness; and consequentlyfacilitate maintaining urine absorbed by the core 44 away from theuser's skin, after wetting. One suitable topsheet material is athermobonded carded web which is available as Code No. P-8 from FiberwebNorth America, Inc. (Simpsonville, S.C., U.S.A.). Another preferredtopsheet material is available as Code No. S-2355 from Havix Co., Japan.This material is a bi-layer composite material, and made of two kinds ofsynthetic surfactant treated bicomponent fibers by using carding andair-through technologies. Yet another suitable topsheet material is athermobonded carded web which is available as Code No. Profleece Style040018007 from Amoco Fabrics, Inc. (Gronau, Germany).

Another preferred topsheet 40 includes an apertured formed film.Apertured formed films are pervious to body exudates and yetnon-absorbent and have a reduced tendency to allow liquids to pass backthrough and rewet the wearer's skin. Thus, the surface of the formedfilm which is in contact with the body remains dry, thereby reducingbody soiling and creating a more comfortable feel for the wearer.Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,135 issued toThompson on Dec. 30, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,246 issued to Mullane, etal. on Apr. 13, 1982; U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,314 issued to Radel. et al. onAug. 3, 1982; U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,045 issued to Ahr et al. on Jul. 31,1984; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,006,394 “Multilayer Polymeric Film” issued toBaird on Apr. 9, 1991.

The backsheet 42 may preferably be liquid impervious. The backsheet 42may include a liquid impervious film 46. Preferably, the liquidimpervious film 46 longitudinally spans the front, back and crotchregions 14, 16, and 18. In one embodiment, the liquid impervious film 46does not laterally extend to the side panels 20, 22. The liquidimpervious film 46 is impervious to liquids (e.g., urine) and may bemanufactured from a thin plastic film. Preferably, such plastic filmswill permits vapors to escape from the garment 10. In a preferredembodiment, a microporous polyethylene film may be used for the liquidimpervious film 46. A suitable microporous polyethylene film ismanufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc., Nagoya, Japan andmarketed as PG-P.

A suitable material for the liquid impervious film 46 may be athermoplastic film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil)to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils), preferably including polyethylene orpolypropylene. Preferably, the liquid impervious film has a basis weightof from about 5 g/m² to about 35 g/m². However, it should be noted thatother flexible liquid impervious materials may be used. Flexiblematerials are materials which are compliant and will readily conform tothe general shape and contours of the wearer's body.

In some embodiments, the backsheet 42 further includes the nonwovenouter cover 48 which is joined with a garment-facing surface of theliquid impervious film 46 to form a laminate (i.e., the backsheet 42).The nonwoven outer cover 48 is preferably positioned at the outermostportion of the garment 10. The nonwoven outer cover 48 may span at leasta portion of the outermost portion of the garment 10. In a preferredembodiment, the nonwoven outer cover 48 may cover substantially all ofthe area of the outermost portion of the garment 10. The nonwoven outercover 48 may be joined to the liquid impervious film 46 by any suitableattachment means known in the art. For example, the nonwoven outer cover48 may be secured to the liquid impervious film 46 by a uniformcontinuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an arrayof separate lines, spirals, or spots of adhesive. Suitable adhesivesinclude a hotmelt adhesive obtainable from Nitta Findley Co., Ltd.,Osaka, Japan as H-2128, and a hotmelt adhesive obtainable from H.B.Fuller Japan Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan as JM-6064.

In one embodiment, the nonwoven outer cover 48 may be a carded nonwovenweb, for example, obtainable from Havix Co., LTD., Gifu, Japan asE-2341. The nonwoven outer cover 48 is made of bi-component fibers of apolyethylene (PE) and a polypropylene (PP). The ratio of PE/PP is about50/50. The PE/PP bi-component fiber has the dimension of 2 dtex×51 mm.Another preferred carded nonwoven web is obtainable from Chisso Corp.,Moriyama, Japan. The nonwoven outer cover 48 is also made ofbi-component fibers of a polyethylene (PE) and a polypropylene (PP). Theratio of PE/PP is about 50/50.

In another embodiment, the nonwoven web is a spunbonded nonwoven web,for example, obtainable from Mitsui Petrochemical Industries, Ltd.,Tokyo, Japan. The nonwoven web is made of bi-component fibers of apolyethylene (PE) and a polypropylene (PP). The ratio of PE/PP is about80/20. The PE/PP bi-component fiber has a thickness of approximately 2.3dtex.

The backsheet 42 may be positioned adjacent the garment-facing surfaceof the absorbent core 44 and is preferably joined thereto by anysuitable attachment means known in the art. For example, the backsheet42 may be secured to the absorbent core 44 by a uniform continuous layerof adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an array of separatelines, spirals, or spots of adhesive. Adhesives which have been found tobe satisfactory are manufactured by H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul,Minn., U.S.A., and marketed as HL-1358J. An example of a suitableattachment means involves an open pattern network of filaments ofadhesive is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,986 issued to Minetola etal. on Mar. 4, 1986. Another suitable attachment means involves severallines of adhesive filaments swirled into a spiral pattern is illustratedby the apparatus and methods shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,911,173 issued toSprague, Jr. on Oct. 7, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,996 issued to Ziecker,et al. on Nov. 22, 1978; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,666 issued to Wereniczon Jun. 27, 1989. Alternatively, the attachment means may include heatbonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, orany other suitable attachment means or combinations of these attachmentmeans as are known in the art. However, in other embodiments, theabsorbent core 44 is not joined to the backsheet 42 and/or the topsheet40 in order to provide greater extensibility in the front region 14 andthe back region 16.

The pull-on garment 10 may further include gasketing leg cuffs 52 forimproved containment of liquids and other body exudates. The gasketingleg cuffs 52 may include several different embodiments for reducing theleakage of body exudates in the leg regions. (The leg cuffs can be andare sometimes also referred to as leg bands, side flaps, barrier cuffs,elastic cuffs, or elasticized cuffs.) As shown in FIG. 7, the gasketingcuffs may include one or more elastic strands 54 or like material so asto provide a snug fit and, ideally, a seal impervious to bodilyexudates.

The garment 10 may further include inner barrier cuffs 54 for improvedcontainment of liquids and other body exudates. The inner barrier cuffsmay include a spacing means 58 such as an elastic element as describedin the below-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,803.

Exemplary gasketing and/or barrier cuff construction is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003 issued to Buell on Jan. 14, 1975; U.S. Pat. No.4,909,803 issued to Aziz et al. on Mar. 20, 1990; U.S. Pat. No.4,695,278 issued to Lawson on Sep. 22, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,795,454issued to Dragoo on Jan. 3, 1989; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,115 issued toBuell on Nov. 3, 1987.

The pull-on garment 10 may further include an elasticized waist feature50 that provides improved fit and containment. The elasticized waistfeature 50 is that portion or zone of the pull-on garment 10 which isintended to elastically expand and contract to dynamically fit thewearer's waist. The elasticized waist feature 50 preferably extendslongitudinally outwardly from the waist edge of the pull-on garment 10toward the waist edge of the absorbent core 44. Preferably, the pull-ongarment 10 has two elasticized waist features 50, one positioned in theback region 16 and one positioned in the front region 14, although otherpull-on diaper embodiments can be constructed with a single elasticizedwaist feature. The elasticized waist feature 50 may be constructed in anumber of different configurations including those described in U.S.Pat. No. 4,515,595 issued to Kievit et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092issued to Buell.

In one embodiment, the pull-on garment 10 of the present inventionfurther includes at least one graphic on a garment-facing surface of theabsorbent article. A graphic is any design, pattern, text, picture, orthe like that is visible or can be made visible on the garment.

In one embodiment, the pull-on garment may include a backsheet thatcomprises the graphic. In one particular embodiment, the garment of thepresent invention comprises a backsheet made from a microporous polymerfilm with registered graphics as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,808issued to Tao et al. on Nov. 18, 2003. A preferred embodiment has thegarment of the present invention comprising a backsheet as described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,569,136 issued to Tao et al. on Nov. 18, 2003. Methodsof imparting a graphic upon an absorbent article are well known in theart. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,076 issued to R. S. Yeo on Apr. 2,1996 describes a multi-color printed nonwoven laminate and a process forproducing the laminate; such a nonwoven may be used as a nonwoven coveron the pull-on garment of the present invention. Furthermore, graphicsmay be printed on other elements of the garment (e.g., nonwoven cover,backsheet, side, etc.) by printing techniques that are well known in theart including flexographic, ink jet, and gravure printing.

To encourage proper application of the garment and particularlyself-application, the garment may include a hidden graphic either aloneor in addition to a visible graphic (i.e., graphic that is visible onthe garment in the pre-application state). A hidden graphic is a graphicthat is not visible upon inspection of the garment while the garment isin its pre-application state but becomes visible in the extendedpost-application state of the garment. The hidden graphic provides avisual cue to the wearer that the pull-on garment has been properlyunfurled and is in a post-application state. Furthermore, the hiddengraphic may provide positive reinforcement to a wearer who may beengaged in a toilet training process. The hidden graphic may provideincentive for the wearer to dress himself or herself, which is often acomponent of the toilet training process.

In another embodiment, it may be desirable to have at least one visiblegraphic and at least one hidden graphic on the pull-on garment in itspre-application state. The visible graphic and the hidden graphic may beinteractively interrelated. As used herein, the term “interactivelyinterrelated” means that the visible graphic and the hidden graphic on apull-on garment in the pre-application state are associated such thatthe hidden graphic builds upon, acts upon, associates with, and/orcompletes the visible graphic once the hidden graphic is made visible inthe post-application state. Without wishing to be limited to thespecific embodiments listed, examples of interactively interrelatedgraphics can include: a visible seascape and hidden jumping fish; avisible umbrella and hidden rain clouds; visible musical notes andhidden musician; a visible telescope and hidden stars, planets, and thelike; a visible alien and a hidden UFO; a visible racecar and hiddenrace flag(s); a visible flower and a hidden rainbow; a visible portionof a character (i.e., the fireman's trousers and boots) and a hiddenportion of the character (i.e., the fireman's coat and helmet); and avisible swimming pool and a hidden character diving into the pool.

The visible graphic may be positioned within the front region, thecrotch region, and/or the back region. In one particular embodiment, thevisible graphic on the front region may illustrate the front view of ascene and the visible graphic on the back region may illustrate the rearview of the same scene as pictured on the front region. For example, thevisible graphic on the front region may be the face of a teddy bear andthe visible graphic on the rear region is the back of the teddy bear'shead. Likewise, hidden graphics may also appear in the front region andthe back region of the pull-on garment, and the hidden graphics may alsodepict the front and back of the same scene. Hidden graphics may bepositioned within the continuous belt zone such that when the pull-ongarment is in its furled pre-application state the hidden graphics arenot visible.

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b illustrate one embodiment of the garment 10 of thepresent invention with hidden graphics 74 and visible graphics 72. FIG.8 a shows a garment 10 in a pre-application state with the continuousbelt 38 being furled with two longitudinal pleats in a mannersubstantially similar to that presented in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b (i.e., forthis embodiment, the waist edge 30 remains the uppermost edge of thegarment 10 in both the pre-application and post application states). Theside panels 20 are foreshortened by the pleating. In the pre-applicationstate, the garment 10 may have one or more visible graphics 72, whichmay be in the front region 14 of the garment 10. The garment 10 maycontain one or more hidden graphics 74 that are concealed from view bythe pleating of the continuous belt 38. FIG. 8 b shows the garment 10 ofFIG. 8 a in the post-application state with the side panels 20 fullyunfurled and extended. Upon application of the garment 10 and unfurlingof the continuous belt 38, both the visible graphics 72 and hiddengraphics 74 are visible.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed toward a methodof applying the pull-on garment of the present invention. In particular,the method is directed toward self-application of the pull-on by aninfant. It is envisioned that self-application may be a component of alarger toilet training regimen. The term “toilet training regimen”refers generally to the process whereby a caregiver transitions a diaperwearing infant to become self-sufficient in disposing of bodily waste byuse of the toilet. The pull-on garment provides a milestone for aninfant who is developing an independence from the caregiver sinceself-application of an undergarment marks self-sufficiency. The pull-ongarments of the present invention facilitate self-application byreducing the length of the side panel. The reduced length is believed toresult in reduced shear force experienced by the infant duringapplication. Furthermore, the continuous belt with its reducedpre-application side panel length, especially in rolled and foldedembodiments, offers a convenient grip point to which the infant mayclutch.

The pull-on garment is provided to the infant in the pre-applicationstate such that the pull-on garment has a pre-application side panellength L_(i). The infant dons the pull-on garment by inserting his orher legs into the waist opening and through the leg openings. Thepull-on is raised up the infant's legs to a point where the crotchregion of the pull-on is proximate or in contact with the infant'scrotch. Once the pull-on diaper is raised and sung against the infant'scrotch, the furled continuous belt is unfurled. Given the particularembodiment, unfurling may involve unrolling, unfolding, or extending theparticular method of furling used. By unfurling the continuous belt, theside panel is lengthened such that waist edge ideally encircles theinfant's waist and hips. In this post-application state, the pull-ongarment is ideally properly positioned and snug to the infant's body.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, self-application of the pull-on garmentof the present invention may be one component of a more holistic toilettraining regimen. An exemplary toilet training regimen involves a threephase transition from diapers to pull-on garments of the presentinvention to a traditional nonabsorbent undergarment. The phases neednot necessarily be sequential and may, given the unique needs of anygiven infant, be intermittent or omitted. Furthermore, the phase may notbe discrete; one or more phase may overlap another phase.

In one phase, the infant is gradually introduced to the pull-on garmentby initial application and increased wear time of the training pant. Thewear time of the pull-on garment is increased throughout the phase suchthat an infant begins the phase wearing a diaper almost exclusively andcontinuously and ends the phase wearing the pull-on garment almostexclusively and continuously. During this phase, proper application ofthe pull-on garment may be taught by a caregiver. Preferably, theteaching will highlight appropriate application and unfurling of thepull-on garment of the present invention. In particular, the infant maybe instructed on how to don the article and unfurl the furled continuousbelt.

In another phase, the infant is gradually introduced to a traditionalless absorbent undergarment by initial application and increased weartime of the undergarment. The wear time of the undergarment is increasedthroughout the phase such that an infant begins the phase wearing apull-on garment almost exclusively and continuously and ends the phasewearing the undergarment almost exclusively and continuously.

In yet another phase, the infant is taught by the caregiver to use thetoilet instead of soiling the article (e.g., the diaper, pull-ongarment, or the undergarment) worn by the infant. A caregiver utilizes avariety of behavioral modifications to achieve the goal of toilet use bythe infant for urination and bowel movements. Behavioral modificationsmay involve using a “potty seat” (e.g., a child-sized self-containedportable toilet, a child-sized seat applied to a toilet, etc.),periodically setting the infant on the toilet, demonstrating the use ofthe toilet, reminding the infant to use the toilet, rewarding the infantfor using the toilet including verbal praise and affection, talking tothe infant about toilet use, re-education and correction if the infantsoils him or herself, setting goals for the infant, providing otherinstructional material to the child such as books or audio/visuals, andcombinations thereof. This phase is ideally partially concurrent with atleast one of the proceeding two phases. Completion of this phase isachieved by the infant being relatively autonomous in the predominatelyexclusive use of the toilet for urination and bowel movements. Beingrelatively autonomous means that the infant recognizes when toilet useis necessary, can disrobe such that the toilet may be used, and can usethe toilet. Predominately exclusive use of the toilet recognizes that,as with any training, an infant may forget, have accidents, or lapseinto pre-toilet training behavior. Completion of this toilet-use phaseneed not coincide with any of the previously mentioned phases.

In another embodiment, a plurality of pull-on garments of the presentinvention may be packaged in a kit. The kit may comprise a plurality ofpull-on garment having a pre-foreshortened side panel. The kit enables aquantity of absorbent articles to be delivered to and purchased by aconsumer while economizing space and simplifying transport and storage.The kit may require activation so that the article becomes accessible(e.g., opening of a lid, removal of a panel, etc.). In one embodiment,the kit is defined by numerous pull-on garments bound together as anentity and covered by a thermoplastic film overwrap as disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,934,470 issued to Bauer et al. on Aug. 10, 1999. Thethermoplastic film cover ideally contains an opening means to allowremoval of a portion of the thermoplastic film cover and access to thepull-on garments. A typical opening means includes a substantiallycontinuous line of weakness, preferably perforations within thethermoplastic film cover. An exemplary opening means is presented inU.S. Pat. No. 5,036,978 issued to Frank et al. on Aug. 6, 1991.

While a preferred kit embodiment is described above, other variations tothe kit are clearly envisioned. The overwrap may comprise a variety ofmaterials including, but not limited to, thermoplastic films, nonwovens,wovens, foils, fabrics, papers, cardboard, elastics, cords, straps, andcombinations thereof. The overwrap may completely or partially bindand/or cover the plurality of pull-on garments. Other particularlypreferred packages and methods for packaging are disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 5,050,742 issued to D. R. Muckenfuhs on Sep. 24, 1991; and U.S. Pat.No. 5,054,619 issued to D. R. Muckenfuhs on Oct. 8, 1991. Furthermore, akit may contain multiple overwraps. For example, a plurality of pull-ongarments of the present inventions may be packaged with a thermoplasticfilm overwrap and then a plurality of film wrapped pull-on garmentsbeing overwrapped in a cardboard box or a second thermoplastic filmoverwrap. Furthermore, the kit may not contain a dedicated openingmeans. For example, a thermoplastic film overwrap without perforationmay simply be opened by tearing the film.

Furthermore, in another preferred embodiment, the kit may contain aninstruction to a caregiver. The instruction may include directions,guidance, counseling, strategies, and verbal or non-verbal teachings(including graphical representations) provided to the caregiverregarding a toilet training regimen for the infant. Preferably, theinstruction discloses a suggested method (e.g., the method as disclosedabove) that a caregiver may use in transitioning the infant away fromdiaper use and toward toilet use. At least part of the instructiondescribes the use of the pull-on garment of the present application as atransitioning tool in training

Example

A pull-on garment may be formed as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,234to Buell et al. The garment may have an overall length of approximately46 cm and a width within the crotch region of approximately 14.5 cm. Thecore is preferably hourglass-shaped with an overall length of 34 cm anda width within the crotch region of approximately 8.0 cm. The core ispositioned equidistant from the edges of the garment such that the edgeof the core is approximately 6.0 cm from the waist edge in both thefront and back regions.

The garment exhibits a folded continuous belt comprising three foldsdirected radially outward (i.e., folding done toward the garment-facingsurface of the pull-on garment). The entire circumference of thecontinuous belt is folded radially outward. The resulting first fold maybe approximately 2.0 cm in length. The entire circumference of thecontinuous belt may be folded radially outward a second time such thatthe first fold is enclosed by the second fold. The resulting second foldmay be approximately 2.25 cm in length. The entire circumference of thecontinuous belt zone may be folded radially outward a third time suchthat the second fold is enclosed by the third fold. The resulting thirdfold may be approximately 2.5 cm in length. The resulting three folddesign resembles that illustrated by FIG. 4 b. The pre-application sidepanel length of the pull-on garment with three folds is approximately3.25 cm. Once the garment is applied and unfurled, the post-applicationside panel length is approximately 10 cm.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description are in relevant partincorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not tobe construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to thepresent invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modification can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changed andmodification that within the scope of this invention. It should beunderstood that every limit given throughout this specification willinclude every lower or higher limit, as the case may be, as if suchlower or higher limit was expressly written herein. Every range giventhroughout this specification will include every narrower range thatfalls within such broader range, as if such narrower ranges were allexpressly written herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pull-on wearable article comprising: a frontregion having two opposing longitudinal edges and a first elasticizedwaist feature; a back region opposite the front region, wherein the backregion includes two opposing longitudinal edges; a crotch regiondisposed between the front region and the back region; a first frontside panel and a second front side panel each extending laterallyoutward from the opposing longitudinal edges of the front region; afirst back side panel and a second back side panel each extendinglaterally outward from the opposing longitudinal edges of the backregion; wherein the first front side panel and the first back side panelabut to form a first seam; wherein the second front side panel and thesecond back side panel abut to form a second seam; wherein the firstelasticized waist feature overlaps a portion of at least one of thefirst front side panel and the second front side panel; wherein the sidepanels are configured to join the front region and the back region, andwherein at least one of the side panels comprises an elastic member,wherein the elastic member comprises a film having one or moreapertures; a topsheet disposed in at least a portion of the frontregion, the back region, and the crotch region; a backsheet disposed inat least a portion of the front region, the back region, and the crotchregion; an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and thebacksheet; a first gap between the absorbent core and the firstelasticized waist feature such that the absorbent core does not overlapthe first elasticized waist feature; and a plurality of graphicsdisposed on the backsheet in at least one of the front region, the backregion, and the crotch region, wherein at least a portion of theplurality of graphics is disposed on a portion of the backsheet oppositethe first elasticized waist feature.
 2. The pull-on wearable article ofclaim 1, further comprising a gasketing leg cuff adjacent at least oneof the two opposing longitudinal edges of the crotch region, wherein thegasketing leg cuff includes one or more elastic strands.
 3. The pull-onwearable article of claim 1, wherein the backsheet includes a nonwovenouter cover joined to a liquid impervious film, and wherein theplurality of graphics are printed on the liquid impervious film.
 4. Thepull-on wearable article of claim 1, wherein the elastic member isjoined to at least one nonwoven material.
 5. The pull-on wearablearticle of claim 1, wherein the elastic member includes one or morediscrete strands.
 6. The pull-on wearable article of claim 1, whereinthat least one of the first seam and the second seam is joined bydiscrete spaced bonding sites.
 7. The pull-on wearable article of claim1, wherein the backsheet is joined with the topsheet.
 8. The pull-onwearable article of claim 7, wherein the backsheet is directly joinedwith the topsheet.
 9. The pull-on wearable article of claim 1, whereinthe back region includes a second elasticized waist feature.
 10. Thepull-on wearable article of claim 9, wherein the second elasticizedwaist feature overlap a portion of at least one of the first back sidepanel and the second back side panel.
 11. The pull-on wearable articleof claim 1, wherein the elastic member is disposed on a nonwoven layerof at least one of the first front side panel, the second front sidepanel, the first back side panel, and the second back side panel. 12.The pull-on wearable article of claim 1, wherein the elastic member is acontinuous planar layer.
 13. The pull-on wearable article of claim 9,wherein at least a portion of the plurality of graphics is disposed on aportion of the backsheet opposite the second elasticized waist feature.14. The pull-on wearable article of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofgraphics comprises a pattern, wherein at least a portion of the patternis disposed on the front region, the back region, and the crotch region.15. The pull-on wearable article of claim 1, wherein a first portion ofat least one of the plurality of graphics is disposed on the frontregion and a second portion of the at least one of the plurality ofgraphics is disposed on the crotch region.
 16. The pull-on wearablearticle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of graphics includes at leasta first graphic and a second graphic, wherein the second graphicdisposed on the back region and the first graphic is disposed on thefront region, and wherein the first graphic illustrates a front view ofa scene and the second graphic illustrates a back view of the scene. 17.The pull-on wearable article of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofgraphics are adjacent to at least one of the first front side panel andthe second front side panel.
 18. The pull-on wearable article of claim1, further comprising a second gap between the absorbent core and thesecond elasticized waist feature such that the absorbent core does notoverlap the second elasticized waist feature.
 19. The pull-on wearablearticle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of graphics includes at leasta first graphic, a second graphic, and a third graphic, wherein thesecond graphic and the third graphic are disposed on the film of thebacksheet, wherein the first graphic is positioned adjacent to at leastone of the two opposing longitudinal edges of the crotch region and atleast one of the two opposing longitudinal edges of the front region,and wherein the second graphic is adjacent to the first graphic, and thethird graphic is positioned in the back region.
 20. The pull-on wearablearticle of claim 1, wherein the article exhibits a pre-application sidepanel length, L_(i), and a post-application side panel length, L_(f),such that L_(i) is less than L_(f).
 21. The pull-on wearable article ofclaim 20, wherein L_(f) is at least 5% greater than L_(i).
 22. Thepull-on wearable article of claim 20, wherein L_(f) is at least 50%greater than L_(i).
 23. The pull-on wearable article of claim 20,wherein the side panels exhibit the pre-application side panel length,L_(i), upon presentation to a consumer.
 24. The pull-on wearable articleof claim 1, wherein the side panels are joined to the front region andthe back region to form a continuous belt.
 25. The pull-on wearablearticle of claim 24, wherein the continuous belt is rolled.
 26. Thepull-on wearable article of claim 24, wherein the continuous belt isfolded.
 27. The pull-on wearable article of claim 24, wherein thecontinuous belt is pleated.
 28. The pull-on wearable article of claim 1,wherein at least one of the plurality of graphics is disposed on agarment-facing surface of the article.
 29. The pull-on wearable articleof claim 28, wherein the at least one of the plurality of graphics is ahidden graphic not directly visible upon inspection of thegarment-facing surface of the article while the article is in itspre-application state.